An Interview with Model and Fitness Trainer Janet Harris

Welcome to another interview from the Fitness Spotlight series. Today, we have interviewed one of most popular fitness trainer Janet Harris from South Florida. So without wasting much of your time, let’s take a look at things Janet has to say about FITNESS.

1. In your own words, define Fitness?

Fitness to me is a state of being or a lifestyle.

2. Why and when did you decide to become a fitness trainer?

I saw the effects of fitness in my life and it was an awesome feeling so I wanted other people to feel that same way. Fitness truly changed my life.

3. Are you CPR-certified?

I am CPR-certified.

4. How do you keep your fitness training knowledge up to date?

Fitness is in constant evolution so I am always reading and looking up new stuff. You always want start with the basics so for the most part that does not change.

5. Describe your typical day. What it looks like? How do you know when it’s productive?

I am very active on social media and most of my clients are online so I am on online a lot throughout the day. I am available to answer any questions or for motivation.

When I go to the gym, my timing is very spontaneous. I go to the gym in the morning one day and then go at night the next day, I like to mix it up.

6. What experience do you have with customer service? Describe how you handle customer service situations involving difficult fitness center members or prospective members.

I enjoy helping people so it is natural to me. You do have to be patient and compassionate which will help you with customer service and coaching because the person is so different.

7. How important is nutrition to you in creating a client’s regimen?

Nutrition is important and maybe harder than exercising. You really have to coach a person into a new way of thinking. A diet change that works for one person may not be as effective on another person. You really have to tailor fit each diet plan for each person.

8. What is the one habit you would recommend others develop? (Think lifestyle habits, productivity habits, or drinking some secret ninja tea made from a flower found only at the top of the mountain.)

By far, your state of mind is the start. You have to make a conscious decision to make everything you do a habit for the better and you have started right away. Fitness is a lifestyle change. Fitness is the way you train, the way you eat, and a lot more.

9. Describe how you handle a client who is unhappy with your work, or a client who doesn’t achieve her goals, when you know the problem is with her level of motivation.

When I start training with a new client I ask them where do they want to be after a month or two months and we go over a timeline. I tell them to keep that picture in their mind when they wake up, throughout the day, and before they go to sleep.

If they are unhappy at the end, I ask if they followed that instruction. I can coach and tell you some things to help, but true motivation comes from within. You have to dig deep.

10. What are your thoughts about organic food? What are your thoughts on a vegan diet? When you encounter a client or prospective fitness club member who is committed to a diet that differs from your own, how do you remain objective?

Organic good is great and a vegan diet can be great. Any diet that promotes health is a diet I can stand behind. Clients who want a different plan then myself is fine and is always a little bit of experimenting in the beginning in that case. We can always figure it out because it always goes back to the basics, you have to monitor what goes down the hatch.

11. Give me an overview of a training program you would set up for a client strictly looking for weight loss and toning? What do you tell clients who are looking for instant results?

Not to get to detailed, but I always recommend weight training and cardio, with more weight training than cardio. Weight training is great because you burn calories even after you leave the gym and can truly sculpt your body.

12. Do you have fitness goals for yourself? If so, what are they?

I do have fitness goals and they are to just always maintain my progress and get better.

13. If you could only recommend one book for our community to read, what would it be and why?

There is a lot of good books out there so I will just give you latest book I have read. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent is a great book because it guides you to a new way of thinking. When you choose a lifestyle of fitness it all starts with your way of thinking.

14. Where does your personal motivation and inspiration to be successful come from?

I’m really not sure. I picked up some weights a few a years ago and I slowly got more and more into it. I saw how it changed my body and how it made me feel. After about a year I committed to the lifestyle and I have been all about being healthy and encouraging others as well.

15. Give me three essential exercises you suggest for all clients? Why are these in your top three?

I can’t name three specific exercises, but I can name some groups. I would say strength exercises, Core/Ab exercises, and Cardio. These are important because your core controls you’re an entire body.

Strength exercises and cardio help shape your body and strengthen your bones. Cardio is a great way to increase your heart rate and get your blood flowing.